Life Lessons Learned from 7 Months of Truck Livin...

[sonidero]

Sooo, it's been a long time since Uncle Soni has gotten to rap with yall but I've been pretty lame and busy with irl... I lost my apt of 10 years in Feb. cause South Austin is gettin major gentrification, so I put all my shit in storage and couch surfed for a min... When I felt liked I'd run out my welcome I switched to sleepin in my truck and just workin all day...

Here are some things I learned:

If you're gonna get a storage unit while you're homeless make sure it's close to work, you don't wanna have to drive 30 miles to pay the rent each month just cause it was close to your old place... Also on that note pick a storage place with a nice bathroom cause you will be using it alot...

Baby wipes are better then no shower...

Wear grey and black alot to keep the dirty appearance to a minimum...

Nobody wants to hear "I'm livin in my car" so always say you're "stayin with a hommie"...

In a pinch you can survive off 7-11 and Taco Bell/Mc Donald's for a week if absolutely necessary...

Office parks are a sweet place to park and sleep if you scope it out first and make sure they don't have Rent-A-Dicks drivin around at night...

Starbucks and Movie Theaters are great to hang out in when it's Aug. and 110° outside...

A good battery powered AM/FM can be your best friend at night and you won't run your car battery down and have to buy a new alternator...

Books are cheap and an easy way to waste a weekend...

Be nice to other people you see out everyday who are prolly more homeless and unlucky then you, they know the area and have good advice about all kinds of shit...

Always give those people your change, even if it means you won't get an extra beer that night...

Drink cans, bottles are for the bougouisse...

Keep a knife handy...

Be humble and kind...

Even though you can camp in the lot, Walmart is a strange and scary place...

Bug spray is important...

Always keep water bottles in your car...

Befriend a Taco Truck/Food Trailer owner, if you show up everyday they'll make your shit phat and you might get some side work if they need help...

Crystals and Herbs on your dashboard can only protect you for sooo long before the cops see your 3 year old expired tags...

Pallets and scrap metal can supplement a pay check nicely...

If anyone offers you a home cooked meal you better jump on it, and prolly do the dishes...

IPhone apps and battery powered noise makers can ease the stress of having all your pedlols and gear in storage...

It's always better to hide all your paraphernalia before you crash out instead of waking up with a full bowl on your dashboard...

Cheap led lanterns rule...

Don't pawn anything you might remotely lose, things'll turn around...

Don't throw food in the back of the truck if there are a lot of skunks and coons around...

Pool halls are still fun and a great place to pick up chicks that don't mind your "mobile home"...

Don't sleep under a pecan tree...

Embrace it and hang out at the public library like all the other bums but actually learn some shit and read something new...

I'm sure there's a ton moar and I'm sure some of yall have had to bum out for awhile... I got a new place and am getting along for the past two months without elec. but it's coming together and I'll be back in action soon...

Holla at yo homeless cousin...

[Chankgeez]

[JonnyAngle]

7 months is a long time. I don't know if I could survive that. But I'm in MN. Winters are prob a little colder here.

[spacelordmother]

The prophecy of the Krystal Kvlt Pedge has come true!

Welcome back, Soni.

[odontophobia]

thanks for dropping a line, dude.
always wondering what happens to people when they're not posting much.

lots of great lessons, there, thanks for sharing. when you have some time i'm sure we'd all love some stories if you feel like sharing some day.

[MEC]

Welcome back dood! I hope things keep heading in the right direction.

[oldangelmidnight]

Don't sleep under a pecan tree...

There's something perfect about that line.

[Faldoe]

Really good post. Best in a while.


I liked this one

Crystals and Herbs on your dashboard can only protect you for sooo long before the cops see your 3 year old expired tags...

[goroth]

Great to hear from you duder!
Glad you're getting through to the other side of a long rough patch man. That's badass.

[Eivind August]

[rustywire]

Good to see ya round; great list. I have some tips to add:

Do your grocery shopping near closing time, you can get great deals/even free food that's about to be tossed due to SELL BY dates. See if there's "Manager's special" clearance product section, but be wary of dented cans. As for canned goods, buy what's on sale via the regular section. Frequent specials of 4 for $5, sometimes 10 for 10 on beans & veggies can be found.
Similarly, stop in at Panera Bread and bakeries near the end of the day for reduced rate day-old baked goods. Oftentimes freebies.

Cooking is the tried & true way to save money on food. This can be tricky, but a hot plate & some stir fry with an onion, pepper & mushrooms does wonders. For about $30 you can get a 12v automobile hotplate or stove, even a frying pan from Home Depot or BB&B. Be safe, clean your cookware ASAP. Low & slow cooking is your friend. Buy a $4 multipack of auto fuses to keep on hand, just in case.

Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, cereal go a long way for little money. Raisins & dried fruit, too.

Multivitamins as supplements are important. You dont need 1 every day, but 2-3x a week will help keep your spirits up and maintain health.

For clean water you can buy a 3gal Poland Spring "spigot" water bottle for about $5 and use it to refill a canteen or smaller bottle over the course of several days.

[D.o.S.]

Welcome back dood! I hope things keep heading in the right direction.

[resincum]

like a true sensei

[Jwar]

Glad to hear your doing ok man! Sounds like a rough patch but you survived it! Keep us up to date and let us know if we can help.

[UglyCasanova]

Sounds like you've got enough material to make a concept album

Glad you're back!